Simulated orbital impact of multi-wall composite structuresThis paper presents the results of an experimental investigation in which several different composite materials were tested for their ability to prevent the perforation of multiwall systems under hypervelocity projectile impact. The damage in the composite specimens is compared to the damage in aluminum specimens of similar geometry and weight caused by hypervelocity projectiles with similar impact energies. The analysis shows that using composite materials in combination with metallic materials in multiwall structures can increase the protection afforded a spacecraft against perforation by orbital debris over that provided by traditional, purely metallic multiwall structures.
Document ID
19920056077
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Walker, Eve J. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Schonberg, William P. (Alabama, University Huntsville, United States)